Brussels government to reward companies that recruit locally

As part of a pilot project in collaboration with citydev.brussels, the Brussels government wants to stimulate companies to hire Brussels residents, writes Metro. In return, the companies will receive a bonus or a reduction on their rent.

Boosting employment numbers among Brussels inhabitants is one of the government's main objectives. "Increasing the number of locals who work is a matter of survival for our region," explains Brussels minister for economy and employment Didier Gosuin.

The low employment rate has been a concern for years in Brussels, where unemployment is 17.6% higher than elsewhere in Belgium. While the capital offers a lot of employment opportunities, it is mainly the inhabitants of Flanders and Wallonia who benefit.